U-17s'' preps rocked by injuries
Jun 27, 2014
THE U-17 team camp is in dilemma following the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of key players ahead of the 2015 African Championship qualifiers return leg at KCCA Stadium
By Swalley Kenyi
2015 African U-17 Championship Qualifier
Uganda v Seychelles (Saturday, Lugogo)
THE U-17 team camp is in dilemma following the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of key players ahead of the 2015 African Championship qualifiers return leg at KCCA Stadium on Saturday.
Right back and captain Andrew Okiring, strikers Kipper Luwalo and Iman Mpaata facing the race to be fit for the pivotal clash.
Okiring did not complete Thursday morning’s training session after suffering a bout of malaria while Luwalo and Mpaata are struggling with ankle injuries they sustained during Wednesday’s session.
“I am worried that the players may not play for us and yet we need them. That does not mean we don’t have options to field.
We still have replacements if they don’t recover in time and I’m sure we shall do well,” Lule said before the evening training session on Thursday.
But Lule was quick to add that he is still hopeful Okiring and Luwalo will recover in time for Saturday’s match while indicating that Mpaata will likely be ruled out.
Uganda lead 2-1 from the first leg and a draw or a minimum of 1-0 loss in the return leg will see Lule's boys advance to the second round against Rwanda.
The Seychelles squad jetted in aboard Kenya Airways on Thursday evening and will train at the match venue on Friday.
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